Curated OER
GenEng
Students investigate the process of genetic engineering. In this genetic engineering lesson plan, students use paper models of DNA and plasmid bacterium to investigate the process of replicating DNA, splicing genes from DNA, and...
Curated OER
Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis
Tenth graders complete a vocabulary assignment based on terms in the unit. They complete appropriate worksheets as each section of the unit is completed. They participate in classroom discussions. They construct a model of a DNA molecule.
Curated OER
Genetics and Heredity: The Next Generation
Tenth graders work in teams to order events of DNA transcription and translation protein synthesis. In the second lesson, they put the steps of mitosis and meiosis in order using a concept map poster. They use modeling clay to create...
Curated OER
Pliable Proteins
Students make models of protiens using wire and paperclips. They are given step by step instructions with lots of information about proteins throughout the directions. They make the three basic structual elements of proteins;...
Curated OER
Protein Synthesis
In this protein synthesis activity, students use a given strand of DNA to write the complimentary base pairs. They transcribe the message to the RNA and then they translate the message into the proper amino acids using the codons on the...
Curated OER
Forensic Files
Students create a model of DNA and relate it to the differences between individual people in their nitrogen base sequences. They analyze a crime scenario in which they perform several different types of tests.
Curated OER
Extracting DNA
Young scholars explore DNA, genes, chromosomes and the chemicals that make up DNA. They research Internet resources to develop their knowledge of DNA. They conduct an experiment to separate DNA from peas and create a poster that they...
Science Friday
Colorful Chromosomes
Everything is in the genes. Individuals observe 14 different traits of themselves. Using pipe cleaners and beads, the learners create models of a chromosome representing their traits. The class then compares and contrasts everyone's...
Towson University
The Wildlife Forensics Lab
Can science put an end to the poaching of endangered species? Show your young forensic experts how biotechnology can help save wildlife through an exciting electrophoresis lab. Grouped pupils analyze shark DNA to determine if it came...
University of Colorado
Clay Planets
Why do scientists use models? In the first installment of 22, groups create scale models of our solar system. They then share and discuss their models.
Oklahoma State University
Hairy Heredity
Young scholars learn that heredity comes down to the flip of a coin with this cross-curricular math and science lesson. Using smiley faces as a model, students toss coins to determine which dominant or recessive traits...
Curated OER
A Model of a Bacterial Plasmid
Students construct a plsmid model with the materials provided and be able to use it to define certain terms and explain other practical applications of genetic engineering. This simulation allows the students to work through the diagram...
Curated OER
Biology - Virus Modeling
Students research one of the many types of viruses. They create a 3-D model of the virus they researched with graphics software.
Curated OER
DNA Replication
Students construct a 3-D model of DNA. They demonstrate an awareness of base pairs in written work and in a model. Students model DNA replication using edible materials. They record concluding thoughts in their science notebooks.
Curated OER
DNA Sequencing Model Lab
Students pretend they are each genetic engineers with a test tube of unknown DNA (PCR'd) possibly taken from blood cells of someone with a genetic condition.
Curated OER
DNA Recombination II
Learners model recombination in DNA. They color the DNA sample and cut it out. Students use their "restriction enzymes" to cut the DNA into specific fragments. They separate the fragments using the "gel electrotrophoresis." Learners...
Curated OER
What is the Relationship Between DNA and Cancer?
Students examine the structure and functions of DNA. They discover the effects radon has on one's DNA and how it leads to cancer. They discuss why DNA is so important to us.
Curated OER
Extraction of DNA from White Onion
Students conduct lab test with minced onion to determine where chromosonal DNA is located within the cell, and whether or not it can be extracted.
Beyond Benign
Lucky Brand Genes: Chromosome Cookies
Mutations are not just deformed creatures we see in movies—they happen every day! Scholars study the different types of genetic mutations in the 12th installment of a series of 18 lessons. A creative activity uses candy and other food...
Curated OER
How Mutations Lead to Changes in Cell Structure and Function
Students investigate how mutations lead to changes in cell structure and function. They construct an oligonucleotide, identify a protein sequence, design a step-by-step mechanism of how they think cells repair damaged DNA, and prepare...
Curated OER
Megabeasts
Create larger-than-life insects for the classroom. Bugs are usually pretty small, but during the Jurassic period they were huge. Kids use diagramming and scale conversion to enlarge a modern day insect so that it is as big as its ancient...
Curated OER
Spiral Symmetry
Taking the notion of symmetry to the next level, this looks at combining rotation and translation symmetry to build spiral symmetry in three dimensions. Using the Zome modeling system and an instructor’s guidance, geometers try to build...
Curated OER
Extracting DNA
Young scholars develop understanding of DNA by modeling the process of DNA extraction. They study DNA, genes and chromosomes. After the basic information, students do an experiment in which they separate out DNA from peas.
Curated OER
Genetics and Molecular Biology
Students create DNA models using colored construction papers. In this biology instructional activity, students identify enzyme restriction sites. They model how DNA plasmids replicate when taken up by a bacterial cell.